Choosing a Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

Is your toothpaste irritating your gums? Do you have teeth or gums that are sensitive to brushing, your toothpaste, or temperatures in general?

Well, you may want to consider purchasing toothpaste meant for those with sensitive teeth and/or gums. Not only do they often lack the chemicals that irritate your teeth and gums, but they also can help rebuild enamel and decrease hypersensitivity.

What Is Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth?

Toothpaste for sensitive teeth is for people with hypersensitive gums and/or teeth.

When your teeth or gums are hypersensitive, you’ll often feel the pain inside your tooth from something you’re eating that’s too hot or cold. Many times sensitive teeth may be due to the erosion of either the enamel or the gums and results in nerve endings becoming more exposed and significantly more sensitive.

This is why for those that do have sensitive teeth, dentists often recommend moving to a toothpaste designed for such sensitivity coupled with a soft toothbrush.

For the restoration of your teeth’s enamel and a decrease in overall sensitivity, one must stick to a consistent toothbrushing routine. Brushing at least twice a day is good for both your general dental health and as a treatment for your hypersensitive teeth.

According to Reader’s Digest, “Hyper-sensitivity toothpastes work by filling up the nerve-ending tubules and blocking them from irritation.” Over time, this can result in less sensitive teeth and gums.

Ingredients to Look For

Unfortunately, not all toothpaste for sensitive teeth has been created equal, and there are some ingredients you should avoid. For example, you should avoid any toothpaste with sodium lauryl sulfate. Sodium lauryl is a chemical that makes toothpaste foam when one starts to brush.

If you have sensitive teeth and you’d like to use a toothpaste meant for those with sensitive teeth, it’s important to avoid any versions with carbamide peroxide. This is a chemical that’s used often in teeth whitening products. These products have the potential to eat away at the enamel of your teeth and can exacerbate any hypersensitivity you may be experiencing.

According to Dr. Harms, “the best toothpastes for sensitive teeth contain either fluoride, potassium nitrate, or strontium chloride, and are stamped with the American Dental Association’s seal of acceptance.”

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Types of Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

There’s a large variety of toothpaste out there for those with sensitive teeth. There are some types of toothpaste that may contain fluoride and others that won’t. There are some kinds of toothpaste that work on desensitizing the teeth over time, while also using acid to strengthen the enamel.

Some kinds of toothpaste are meant to protect the teeth by building a tolerance to hot, cold, and/or foods. These types of toothpaste help reduce the overall sensitivity you’re experiencing.

Natural and Organic Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

There are many options for those who are looking to avoid synthetic materials in their toothpaste. These types of toothpaste also have some that contain fluoride and others that don’t. It is important to remember that fluoride is natural, so technically a toothpaste can have it and still be organic and/or natural.

There are some types of toothpaste that contain aloe vera, some that contain coconut oil, and others that contain fluoride from nature. There are some types of toothpaste for sensitive teeth that are salt-based, and others that in tree oils-based.

Best Type of Toothpaste

As we stated earlier, any toothpaste with potassium nitrate, strontium chloride, and/or fluoride are highly recommended. These ingredients help protect your teeth/gums and can also reduce sensitivity. The best types of toothpaste for those with sensitive teeth are the ones that contain fluoride because it is the most effective ingredient in fighting cavities.

Even more specifically so, the types of toothpaste that are approved by the ADA tend to be the most effective. These have been reviewed by some of the leading dentists in the US.

Improving Sensitive Teeth

If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain from your teeth’s hypersensitivity, there are some steps you can take to help improve your situation.

One of these steps is switching to a toothpaste for someone with sensitive teeth. Not only can it help rebuild the enamel and reduce teeth sensitivity, but it can also help treat issues with hypersensitivity in the gums.

Many people have benefitted from switching to a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, so it may be something to consider. If you change to one of these types of toothpaste and you’re still experiencing discomfort with little improvement, you should visit your dentist.

While switching toothpaste can be helpful, having professional medical assistance may help you get to the root of the problem.